The matrix of planting strategies was developed to guide designers in the selection of plant material type and size based on the needs of specific areas of a project.
Where a variety of options are available, material should be selected based on the appropriate area and expected level of care.
MATRIX OF PLANTING STRATEGIES |
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PLANTING TYPE |
SIZE/UNIT |
BEST USE |
PROS |
CONS |
LEVELS OF CARE ZONE |
| TREES | Container (#15, – #30 Container) |
Everywhere | Available all seasons | Small sizes | High/ med |
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| B & b (Minimum tree caliper: 1.5”) |
Feature tree | Large | Only seasonally available | High | |
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| Container (#3 Container, RPM) | Reforestation Revetment | Low cost | Maintenance challenge High loss rate |
Low | |
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| SHRUBS | Container (#3 – #7 Container) |
Everywhere | |||
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| PERENNIALS | Large container (#Sp5, – #1 container) |
Features | Immediate mass | Higher cost | High |
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| Small container (#Sp3 – #sp4 container/tray) |
Mass planting | Low cost | More effort for establishment | High/ med | |
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| Plugs (#Sp2, – #sp3 container/tray) |
Rain garden Large massing |
Low cost | Requires tight spacing to prevent weed pressure | Med/low | |
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| Bulbs | Interplanting | Low maintenance | Limited life-span | All | |
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| PRAIRIE SEED | Seed | Outside high priority areas | Very low cost Immediate mass |
Weed control Establishment |
Low |
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| TURF | Sod | High priority areas | Immediate cover | Higher cost. Watering is critical | High |
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| Seed | Outside high priority areas | Low material cost | Requires establishment effort. | Med/low | |